Conservation Commission
June 9, 2009
Members Present: Katheryn Holmes, Chair; Eric Unger, Vice-Chair; Bill Annable; Chuck Crickman; Deane Geddes; Suzanne Levine; Frank Perrotta
TOWN FOREST
Selectman Powell and Town Administrator, Dennis Pavlicek, were present to discuss the Town Forest.
Mr. Powell commented that in 2007 the Town decided to make part of Fishersfield Park a Town Forest. Part of the article in the warrant was that the Conservation Commission would manage the Town Forest. The responsibilities of the Conservation Commission are laid out in RSA 31:110 through RSA 31:113, which Mr. Powell handed out for reference. Managing the resources and keeping the forest in a good, healthy state may eventually include timber cutting. He explained that the only activity the Recreation Department has going on in that area of the Park is a storage building and community gardens.
Ms. Holmes asked how many acres the Town Forest is.
Mr. Powell stated that the Park is a total of 96+/- acres, but the Town Forest was never surveyed separate from the Recreation area.
Mr. Crickman stated that there is a general idea about where everything is located, just not a specific line above the upper field, above the pond, north to south. He informed the Board that he has been in touch with the Van Webb from the Town of Sunapee. The Town of Sunapee has six Town Forests, and Mr. Webb has volunteered to come to the Newbury Conservation Commission to give a presentation of how Sunapee manages their forests.
Mr. Powell asked if there was a Memorandum of Understanding drawn up between the Conservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Mr. Geddes thought there was a MOU written by Mr. Weiler several years ago.
Mr. Crickman stated that a new MOU should be written and Mr. Dezotell, Parks and Recreation Dept., should be included in the drafting of the document.
Mr. Powell reiterated that it is the Conservation Commissions responsibility to manage the Town Forest in a way that is compliant with the RSA’s. In 2007, it was not anticipated that maintenance would require much time and effort.
Ms. Holmes stated that there needs to be a Forest Management Plan prepared.
Mr. Pavlicek commented that the land was recently timbered off prior to purchase. Therefore, it will probably not be ready for harvesting for a many years.
Mr. Powell advised the Commission members that the Board of Selectmen are available to support the Commission in any way possible.
Mr. Geddes commented that eventually, all parties involved should understand and agree upon the boundary line of the Town Forest vs. the Park. He stated that he believes the property deserves a forest management plan and an expert should look at this asset and handle it professionally. He acknowledged, that hiring a professional is probably not a priority, but reiterated that it should still be done in the future.
Mr. Crickman agreed and explained that is one of the reasons it will be helpful to hear from Mr. Webb. In the meantime, he suggested an informal line of agreement should be made. He commented that whatever is done, there will be a cost involved.
Mr. Powell pointed out that there are mechanisms to help with funding that can be set up through a warrant article at Town Meeting. E.g., A Town Forest Fund separate from the Conservation Fund.
MINUTES
The Board reviewed the minutes of May 12, 2009.
Ms. Levine made a motion to approve the minutes of May 12 as drafted. Mr. Unger seconded the motion. All in favor.
INTENTS TO CUT
Mr. Unger reported that there were two intents to cut received. He stated that he has not had time to complete a site review, but one of them is at the Pickman property off Gillingham Drive that looks as though it will be an extensive cut. He will review that as soon as possible.
WETLANDS BOARD APPLICATIONS
Mr. Geddes reported that there were no wetlands board applications filed.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Board reviewed and filled out the Progress Evaluation from Amanda Stone regarding the work performed on the Wildlife Action Plan.
The Board reviewed a flyer prepared by Ms. Holmes for the publication of the Easement workshop scheduled for September 12, 2009.
Mr. Perrotta suggested that Ms. Holmes contact Dijit Taylor to speak at the Easement workshop regarding ‘dollars and sense of saving special places’.
Mr. Perrotta volunteered to edit the invitational letter to landowners regarding the Easement workshop on September 12, 2009.
Mr. Crickman volunteered to create an invitational letter to the landowners surrounding Fishersfield Park since they are in a unique situation by abutting the Park land.
WILDGOOSE
Ms. Holmes informed the Board that HB45 – Amendment to study the impact of the Wild Goose Boat Launch and to protect and preserve drinking water in the State of NH is back in the House.
STATE BEACH PROJECT
Ms. Holmes informed the Board that the State Beach Project passed without having to come for any Town permits or hearings. The work is already in progress to pave the parking area and install level spreaders.
Mr. Geddes made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Levine seconded the motion. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Plunkett
Recording Secretary
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